Coronavirus Update: Moving Out, Traveling Home and Storing Belongings

Dear Students, Parents and Families:

Earlier today, Chancellor Syverud announced that due to the global coronavirus pandemic, Syracuse University is suspending residential instruction for the remainder of the semester. As the result of this development, we are urging students who are in University housing to depart for their permanent residence as soon as possible. As a follow-up to the Chancellor’s message, below we address some of the most common questions we have received since first announcing instruction would move online. You will find helpful information related to move-out procedures, transportation assistance, and packing or storing possessions.

We are working hard to address concerns. We will continue to assist our students in staying healthy and getting home as soon as they can, wherever possible. If you have additional questions, please call the information line at 315.443.8472.

Sincerely,

Amanda Nicholson
Interim Deputy Senior Vice President for Enrollment and the Student Experience

Since residential classes will not resume for the rest of the semester, how will I get my possessions out of my North Campus residence hall or Skyhall?

To ensure a safe and orderly process for students to retrieve personal belongings, and to remain in compliance with public health and social distancing best practices, the University is developing a staggered move-out schedule for North Campus residence halls and Skyhalls. This schedule will be available for parents and students by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17. Families may select a pick-up time through the MySlice housing portal and may NOT visit campus outside of their scheduled time. Families who are unable to retrieve belongings may complete the item storage form to request that they be packed and stored for future retrieval.

How can I retrieve my belongings from my South Campus apartment?

Students on South Campus can retrieve their belongings effective immediately and until 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 22. Once belongings are removed from the apartment, students must return their key and check out at the Goldstein Student Center.

What if I can’t leave campus?

Wherever possible, students should depart campus. Students who cannot leave campus due to extreme circumstances may apply to stay on campus through the MySlice housing portal. We ask that these students apply to stay in on-campus housing immediately.

Be advised that given recent restrictions imposed by New York State, for the foreseeable future, dining centers will provide grab-and-go food items only. Public safety and emergency services will continue to be available.

If I am currently traveling somewhere during spring break that’s not home, can I return to campus?

No. Students who have left campus for spring break are not permitted to return to campus. If students have traveled elsewhere, they should return to their primary residence at the conclusion of their spring break travel. Families can make arrangements to retrieve belongings or request that they be packed and stored for future retrieval, by completing the item storage form.

I’m on campus, but now plan to go home. Will the University provide bus transportation to major cities?

Free bus tickets will be available to major cities such as New York; Philadelphia; Boston; Rockaway, New Jersey; and Washington, D.C., beginning at noon on Tuesday, March 17. Consistent with best social distancing practices, buses are limited in capacity. To reserve bus tickets, go to the online Box Office. The bus tickets will be available to reserve by 7 p.m. today. If you are going to take one of these buses, please take all of your belongings with you on the bus.